Urine collection system for multiple urinals

Abstract

The invention relates to a urine collection system (1, 10, 100) comprising a collection circuit with a plurality of urinals (2) and a collection tank (3) to which the urinals are connected. The collection tank is equipped with at least one first sensor (51) for a parameter relating to the physicochemical activity of the urine in the tank. The system is characterized in that it comprises a processing unit (62) arranged to periodically determine the value of a given indicator from the variation of said parameter, to compare said value of the given indicator to a setpoint value, and to issue an alert in the event of a deviation of said value of the given indicator from the setpoint value. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Urine collection system for multiple urinals

[0001] The invention relates to the field of human urine treatment. More specifically, the invention relates to a urine collection system comprising a plurality of urinals connected to a collection tank.

[0002] Urine is considered a waste product that must be disposed of. Its current disposal method, primarily via the sewer system, poses a problem for wastewater treatment plants, particularly with regard to the sustainable management of water resources. Specifically, the nitrogen and micropollutant content of urine causes algae growth and the feminization of fish.

[0003] Human urine is also known to have proven fertilizing potential in agriculture, just like animal urine, which is already used by farmers. Indeed, urine is rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are essential elements, particularly for fertilizing soils and crops.

[0004] Human urine can also be used in other sectors, including for energy production by hydrogen extraction or transformation into biogas, by being used as a medicinal or cosmetic compound, or in the agri-food sector.

[0005] In this context, it was conceived to collect human urine from a building open to the public by installing a tank within the building, connected to the urinals by a piping system. The urine can thus be collected regularly and transported to an industrial processing plant where it can be transformed and used.

[0006] However, urine is not stable when collected, rapidly losing its nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content, rendering it unsuitable for industrial use. This degradation is triggered, in particular, by the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia, a reaction also known as "urease," named after the enzyme that catalyzes it.

[0007] Thus, there is a need to collect the urine before this hydrolysis of urea occurs in order to preserve the initial composition of the urine and therefore to be able to be used, in particular as a fertilizer suitable for agricultural use.

[0008] This problem can be generalized to collection systems, intended for buildings or public places, centralizing urine from different urinals into one or more collection tanks, in which it is necessary to be able to detect the start of urea hydrolysis, or even predict the onset of urea hydrolysis, in order to implement countermeasure solutions aimed at slowing down or even stopping this urea hydrolysis, or at collecting urine as accurately as possible.

[0009] The invention thus falls within this context and aims to meet this need.

[0010] For these purposes, the invention relates to a urine collection system comprising a collection circuit including a plurality of urinals and a collection tank to which the urinals are connected, the collection tank being equipped with at least a first sensor of a parameter relating to a physico-chemical activity of the urine in the tank, characterized in that it includes a calculation unit arranged to periodically determine the value of a given indicator from the variation of said parameter, to compare said value of the given indicator to a setpoint value and to issue an alert in the event of a drift of said value of the given indicator with respect to the setpoint value.

[0011] The invention thus proposes to connect several urinals in an area likely to receive the public, such as a building, to a collection tank. Furthermore, a sensor, capable of measuring a value indicating the physico-chemical activity of the urine in the tank and in particular the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia, is placed in the collection tank.

[0012] This physicochemical activity thus evolves predictably, particularly with the volume of urine collected, as newly collected urine is added to previously collected urine. For example, the pH of the urine in the tank should change little with variations in the volume of urine in the tank when the urine is simply collected from urinals, or it should change predictably with variations in volume, especially if an acid or a base is added to the urine upstream of the collection tank to stabilize it. Conversely, the hydrolysis of urea to ammonia significantly changes the pH of the urine collected in the tank. Therefore, monitoring the variations of an indicator, determined from the physicochemical activity of the urine in the tank, makes it possible to identify a drift in this indicator with respect to expected behavior and thus to detect, or even predict, the onset of urease activity.In this case, it is possible to issue an alert that can trigger, on-site or remotely, the collection of urine from the tank before its nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium levels become too degraded, and / or to control elements of the collection circuit to slow down or stop the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, "urine" means urine, particularly of human origin, that has never been in contact with feces. It may be provided, in particular, that each urinal is arranged to directly separate the urine from the feces.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, the term "urinal" means any device or apparatus capable of collecting urine, particularly of human origin. It may be a urinal intended for use by men or women, and preferably a so-called "dry" or "waterless" urinal.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, the term "collection tank" means any container capable of receiving urine from various urinals and transported by a set of pipes. It may be either an above-ground or an underground tank. The collection tank may be equipped with a system for drawing off the urine collected in the tank, such as a pumping pipe extending to the bottom of the tank, allowing the urine to be collected, for example, in a tanker truck. The collection tank may also be equipped with one or more vents and / or an overflow connected to a wastewater treatment system or a sewer.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, the term "parameter relating to the physico-chemical activity of urine in the tank" means any measurable parameter, directly or indirectly, capable of indicating, or even quantifying, the hydrolysis of urea to ammonia. It may, in particular, be one, or a combination of several, of the following parameters: pH; ammonia (NH3) concentration; ammonium ion (NH4+) concentration; carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration; presence of the urease enzyme; temperature; electrical conductivity; osmotic concentration; oxidation-reduction ratio; volume.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, the term "computing unit" means one or more electronic and / or computer devices capable of receiving, in an analog and / or digital manner, parameter values ​​from the first sensor and volume values ​​from the second sensor, calculating a value of the given indicator from the variation of said parameter and the variation of said volume, comparing said value of the given indicator to a setpoint value, and issuing an alert in the event of a deviation of said value of the given indicator from the setpoint value. This may be a desktop or laptop computer, a computer server, a smartphone, a tablet, or any other suitable equipment.

[0018] The computing unit may implement these calculation, comparison and transmission steps as it receives said parameter and volume values ​​or, alternatively, after a complete acquisition sequence of said values of the parameter and volume. The processing unit may be equipped with one or more processors, arranged to execute instructions from one or more computer programs to implement the calculation, comparison, and transmission steps. These steps may be implemented centrally by a single processing unit or distributed across multiple processing units. Alternatively, all or part of these steps may be implemented by a processing unit embedded in the data collection circuit and connected via wires to the first and second sensors, and / or by a processing unit located remotely from the data collection circuit and capable of exchanging data with the first and second sensors wirelessly.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the first sensor of a parameter relating to a physico-chemical activity of the urine in the tank is a pH sensor of the urine collected in the tank and / or a sensor of the electrical conductivity of the urine collected in the tank, and / or a sensor of the temperature of the urine collected in the tank, and / or a sensor of the ammonia concentration of the urine collected in the tank, and / or a sensor of the oxidation-reduction rate of the urine collected in the tank.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the collection tank is equipped with a second sensor for measuring the volume of urine contained in the tank, and the processing unit is arranged to periodically determine the value of said indicator based on the variation of said parameter and the variation of said volume. In this embodiment, a volume sensor is placed in the collection tank to indicate the quantity of urine collected from the urinals. It is thus possible to accurately predict the evolution of the physicochemical activity of the urine in the collection tank as a function of the volume of urine collected.

[0021] It can thus be provided that the indicator includes a ratio of the variation of pH to the variation of volume or a ratio of the variation of electrical conductivity to the variation of volume, or even a ratio of the variation of any combination of several of the parameters mentioned above to the variation of volume.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the second sensor may be a level sensor for the urine collected in the tank.

[0023] Advantageously, the first and second sensors are arranged in a single probe placed in the collection tank. Further advantageously, the probe can be arranged to be in contact with the urine collected in the tank, regardless of the urine level. The probe can, for example, be weighted to remain at the bottom of the tank or be mounted on a float.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the calculation unit is arranged to periodically determine the value of a ratio between a variation in the measurement of the

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[0036] The parameter is measured by the first sensor between two consecutive instants, and the volume measurement by the second sensor varies between the same two consecutive instants. The resulting indicator includes this ratio. These characteristics eliminate potential sensor drift over time. In one embodiment of the invention, the setpoint value is defined by a range of tolerance values ​​around a given value. In one embodiment of the invention, the computing unit is arranged to predict said given value from the volume measurement by the second sensor. For example, in the case where an acid or a base is added to the urine in the collection tank to stabilize the collected urine, it is possible to predict the behavior of the urine within the collection tank, and in particular the evolution of its pH as a function of the volume of acid or base added and the evolution of the volume of urine in the collection tank. Using a linear equivalent of pH, it is possible to arrive at the following equation: P» M = 14 - 1^------ where pHtot is the pH of the combination of acid and urine collected in the tank; Va is the volume of acid introduced into the tank; pHa is the pH of the acid added, namely a constant for example fixed at 1.8; V is the total volume introduced into the tank, namely the sum of the volumes of acid and urine; and pHu is the pH of the urine, namely a constant for example fixed at 7. Thus, considering that the volume of acid is significantly less than the volume of urine in the tank, specifically at least 30 times less, we can simplify this equation to: &PHtol 0.4343 AV “ VV„ In other words, each measurement can be compared to the previous measurement using the following equation: Pa„PH^ 0.4343 ^n"En.; V„-V„ Consequently, it is possible to compare whether the measured variation remains consistent with the prediction. If not, the assumption that the urine pH, pHu, is constant is false, and this pH is changing due to the hydrolysis of urea to ammonia. In response, a new volume of acid can then be introduced into the cell, for example, calculated based on the pH drift thus measured. In one embodiment of the invention, each urinal is connected to the collection tank via a controllable valve of the collection circuit, capable of controllingThe flow rate of urine circulating between the urinal and the collection tank. If applicable, the collection system includes a control unit for the controllable valves, capable of receiving the alert issued by the processing unit. Upon receiving the alert, the control unit is configured to control at least one of the controllable valves to regulate the flow rate of urine circulating between the urinal connected to that valve and the collection tank. In this example, each controllable valve allows the flow rate from one or more urinals to be authorized, prohibited, or even modulated, thereby controlling the volume of urine collected in the collection tank.If the indicator shows that urea hydrolysis to ammonia is in progress, urine collection can be stopped to avoid fueling this hydrolysis until the indicator shows that the reaction has stopped. Alternatively, urine that has already been stabilized upstream of the tank, through acidification or alkalization, can be added to the urine collected in the tank to stop the urease reaction. It is also possible to link the urine flow rate from the urinals to the value of the indicator itself.

[0037] It may be provided that several of the urinals, or even all of the urinals, in the collection circuit are connected to the collection tank via the same controllable valve or alternatively that each urinal is connected to the collection tank via a dedicated controllable valve.

[0038] Alternatively or cumulatively, the collection tank may be connected to a wastewater treatment system or a sewer via a controllable valve capable of controlling the flow of urine circulating between the collection tank and said treatment system or sewer. If applicable, the collection system includes a control unit for said controllable valve capable of receiving said alert issued by the processing unit, and the control unit is arranged to, upon receiving said alert, control said controllable valve to allow the flow of urine collected in the collection tank to said treatment system or sewer. In this example, the controllable valve allows all or part of the collection tank to be emptied. If the indicator shows that the hydrolysis of urea to ammonia is in progress, the collection tank can then be emptied in order to start a new urine collection cycle.

[0039] In another alternative or cumulative embodiment of the invention, the collection circuit includes a system for adding an acid or a base to the urine collected by at least one of the urinals, and in particular by all the urinals in the collection circuit. Where applicable, the collection system includes a control unit for the acid or base addition system capable of receiving the alert issued by the processing unit, and the control unit is arranged to, upon receiving the alert, control the acid or base addition system to control the quantity of acid or base added to the collected urine.

[0040] The acid may be chosen so that the acidified urine has a pH below 6, or the base so that the alkalized urine has a pH above 9. Acidifying or alkalizing the urine thus inhibits the growth of pathogens and prevents the spontaneous hydrolysis of urea to ammonia, so that the urine retains its nitrogen concentration. The acid may, for example, be chosen from one of the following: sulfuric acid, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and lactic acid. The base may, for example, be chosen from one of the following: calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof, as well as their oxide equivalents (for example, calcium oxide, more commonly known as lime).

[0041] In this example, the addition system allows the addition of an acid or a base to be initiated, stopped, or even modulated, and thus the pH of the urine collected in the collection tank to be controlled in order to inhibit the action of urease. If the indicator shows that the hydrolysis of urea to ammonia is in progress, a given quantity of acid or base can be added to stabilize the collected urine. It is also possible to link the quantity of acid or base added to the value of the indicator itself or to the measurement from the first or second sensor.

[0042] Advantageously, the acid or base addition system includes a device for adding an acid or a base directly to the urine collected in the collection tank. For example, the acid or base may be contained in a container arranged within the collection tank, the container being equipped with a diffuser or an opening controllable by the control unit.

[0043] Alternatively, the acid or base addition system includes at least one device for adding an acid or a base to the urine circulating between at least one of said urinals, in particular each urinal, and the collection tank. For example, the acid or base may be contained in one or more reservoirs of the collection circuit, arranged downstream of each urinal and upstream of the collection tank, or alternatively arranged in each urinal, for example in a container integrated into the receiving reservoir of each urinal, for example after the valve or siphon of each urinal.

[0044] Advantageously, the control unit may be arranged to control the acid or base addition system to control the amount of acid or base added to the collected urine so that the total volume of acid or base added to the collected urine corresponds to a predetermined percentage of the collected urine volume, for example, 2% of the collected urine volume in the case of lactic acid. Alternatively, the control unit may be arranged to control the acid or base addition system. based so that a parameter relating to a physico-chemical activity of the urine in the tank, in particular the pH of the urine in the tank, remains below a given threshold value or remains above a given threshold value or remains substantially equal to a given threshold value.

[0045] In another alternative or cumulative embodiment, the collection circuit includes a system for adding an acid or a base to the urine collected by at least one of the urinals, and in particular by all the urinals in the collection circuit. Where applicable, the acid or base addition system comprises a plurality of devices for adding an acid or a base, each capable of adding said acid or base to the urine collected by one of the urinals, as well as a timer, each device being arranged to trigger the addition of said acid or base to the collected urine at a given time determined by said timer. In this embodiment, an acid or a base is added regularly to the urine collected by each urinal to stabilize this urine upstream of its collection in the tank. Said given time may be a predetermined hour or may be determined from a time interval following the previous time of addition.It can be anticipated that this moment will be determined based on the average periodic uses, particularly per day, of each urinal in the collection circuit.

[0046] In another alternative or cumulative embodiment, the collection circuit includes a system for adding an acid or a base to the urine collected by at least one of the urinals, and in particular by all the urinals in the collection circuit. Where applicable, the acid or base addition system includes a plurality of acid or base adding devices, each capable of adding said acid or base to the urine collected by one of the urinals, as well as a plurality of urine collection detectors, each capable of detecting urine collection by one of the urinals, each device being arranged to trigger the addition of said acid or base to the collected urine based on the detections made by the associated detector. In this embodiment, an acid or a base is added after each urination in each urinal to stabilize this urine upstream of its collection in the tank.

[0047] In another alternative or cumulative embodiment, the collection circuit includes a system for adding an acid or a base to the urine collected by at least one of the urinals, and in particular by all the urinals in the collection circuit. Where appropriate, the acid or base addition system includes a plurality of acid or base addition devices, each capable of adding said acid or base to the urine collected by one of the urinals, as well as a plurality of switches, each operable by the user of a urinal, each device being arranged to trigger the addition of said acid or base to the collected urine based on an interaction by a user with the associated switch. In this embodiment, a acid or a base is added, intentionally by a user, to the urine collected by each urinal to stabilize this urine upstream of its collection in the tank.

[0048] In another alternative or cumulative embodiment of the invention, the collection tank includes a system for stirring the urine collected in the collection tank. If applicable, the collection system includes a control unit for the stirring system capable of receiving said alert issued by the computing unit, and the control unit is arranged to, based on said alert, control the stirring system to stir the urine collected in the tank.

[0049] In this example, the stirring system allows the stirring of the urine collected in the tank to be started and stopped, and even the stirring speed to be adjusted. If the indicator shows that the hydrolysis of urea to ammonia is underway, the stirring of the collected urine can then be started. This stirring helps to homogenize the contents of the collection tank, in order to later verify whether the observed drift is due to a separation of the contents into different phases. It is also possible to link the stirring speed of the collected urine to the value of the indicator itself.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is located remotely from the collection circuit, and both the processing unit and the control unit are equipped with a wireless communication module so that the processing unit can transmit the alert to the control unit. In this example, the collection circuit incorporates the processing unit, while the control unit is located remotely from the collection circuit. This embodiment thus allows the control unit to manage a network of different collection circuits, particularly those arranged in different buildings. The control unit may be equipped with a screen, capable of displaying on the screen the evolution over time of the indicator value, or even the parameter and volume values ​​measured by the first and second sensors.

[0051] Alternatively, the control unit and the processing unit may be part of the same device located remotely from the data collection circuit. In this case, the data collection circuit and the processing unit are each equipped with a wireless communication module so that the data collection circuit can transmit the measurements taken by the first and second sensors to the processing unit.

[0052] In these examples, said wireless communication modules may exchange data according to a telecommunication protocol of the LORAWAN®, SIGFOX®, 3G or UMTS®, 4G or LTE® type, or even 5G type. It may be provided that the data are relayed via different communication relays to the computing and / or control unit and / or that all or part of this data are converted at the level of one or more of these communication relays, for example to go from a decimal format to a hexadecimal format or vice versa.

[0053] Alternatively, the control unit and the computing unit can be part of the same device integrated into the collection circuit, the collection system being in this case an autonomous system.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the collection tank includes a system for removing furine collected in the tank, and the alert issued by the computing unit, in the event of a deviation of said indicator value from the setpoint value, is an alert to empty the tank. The removal system may, for example, include a probe immersed in the collection tank and connected to a pump. In this embodiment, the alert thus triggers an operator to empty the tank.

[0055] The invention also relates to a urine treatment system comprising one or more collection systems according to the invention and a plant located away from the collection system(s) for implementing a process for treating the collected urine. Where applicable, the plant may be intended for the preparation of a liquid or solid product containing urine processed from the collected urine, in particular a fertilizer, a plant protection product, a biostimulant, a food product, a biocontrol product, or a culture medium.

[0056] The plant may, for example, be arranged to implement the following steps: filtration of the collected urine; dilution of the filtered urine in a solution, such as water; fermentation of the diluted urine by one or more microorganisms.

[0057] Alternatively, the plant may for example be arranged to implement the following steps: filtration of the collected urine; mixing of the filtered urine and a solid biomass; fermentation of the mixture by one or more microorganisms.

[0058] The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the physico-chemical activity of urine collected by a collection system according to the invention.

[0059] The process according to the invention advantageously comprises the following steps: a. periodic reception of a value of a parameter relating to a physico-chemical activity of the urine in the tank of the collection system; b. periodic reception of a volume of urine contained in the collection system tank; c. for each new value of the parameter received and / or for each new volume of urine received, determination of the value of a given indicator from the variation of said parameter and the variation of said volume; d. comparison of said value of the given indicator to a setpoint value and; e. in the event of a drift of said value of the given indicator with respect to the setpoint value, an alert is issued.

[0060] Advantageously, following the issuance of the alert, the process includes a step of collecting the urine collected in the collection tank to a factory intended for the preparation of a liquid or solid product containing urine transformed from the collected urine.

[0061] The invention also relates to a urine collection system comprising a collection circuit comprising a plurality of urinals, and a system for adding an acid or a base to the urine collected by at least one of the urinals, and in particular by all the urinals of the collection circuit.

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention, the collection system includes a collection tank to which the urinals are connected, and the acid or base addition system includes a device for adding an acid or a base directly into the urine collected in the collection tank.

[0063] Alternatively, the acid or base addition system comprises a plurality of devices for adding an acid or a base, each capable of adding said acid or base to the urine collected by one of the urinals. For example, the acid or base may be contained in one or more reservoirs of the collection circuit, arranged downstream of each urinal and upstream of the collection tank, or alternatively arranged within each urinal, for example in a container integrated into the receiving reservoir of each urinal, for example after the valve or siphon of each urinal.

[0064] In one embodiment of the invention, the collection system includes a control unit for the acid or base addition system capable of receiving an alert issued by a processing unit based on the variation of a parameter relating to the physicochemical activity of the urine in the collection tank. The control unit is arranged to, upon receiving said alert, control the acid or base addition system to control the quantity of acid or base added to the collected urine. For example, the control unit may be arranged to control the acid or base addition system to control the quantity of acid or base added to the collected urine such that the total volume of acid or base added to the collected urine corresponds to a predetermined percentage of the collected urine volume.Alternatively, the control unit may be arranged to control the acid or base addition system so that a parameter relating to a physico-chemical activity of the urine in the tank, in particular the pH of the urine in the tank, remains below a given threshold value or remains above a given threshold value or remains substantially equal to a given threshold value.

[0065] In another alternative or cumulative embodiment, the acid or base addition system includes a clock, each addition device being arranged to trigger the addition of said acid or base to the collected urine at a predetermined time determined by said clock. In this embodiment, an acid or base is regularly added to the urine collected by each urinal to stabilize this urine prior to its collection in the tank. Said predetermined time may be a predetermined hour or may be determined from a time interval following the previous addition time. It may be provided that said time is determined based on the average periodic uses, particularly per day, of each urinal in the collection circuit.

[0066] In another alternative or cumulative embodiment, the acid or base addition system comprises a plurality of urine collection detectors, each capable of detecting urine collection by one of the urinals, each addition device being arranged to trigger the addition of said acid or base to the collected urine based on the detections made by the associated detector. In this embodiment, an acid or a base is added after each urination in each urinal to stabilize this urine upstream of its collection in the tank.

[0067] In another alternative or cumulative embodiment, the acid or base addition system comprises a plurality of switches, each operable by the user of a urinal, each addition device being arranged to trigger the addition of said acid or base to the collected urine based on a user's interaction with the associated switch. In this embodiment, an acid or a base is intentionally added by a user to the urine collected by each urinal to stabilize this urine prior to its collection in the tank.

[0068] The invention also relates to a urinal comprising a device for adding an acid or a base, capable of adding said acid or said base into the urine collected by said urinal.

[0069] The present invention is now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures represent:

[0070] [Fig-1] represents, schematically and partially, a view of a system of urine collection according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0071] [Fig.2] represents, schematically and partially, data relating to the pH of the urine contained in the collection tank of the system of the [Fig.l];

[0072] [Fig.3] represents, schematically and partially, data relating to the volume of urine contained in the collection tank of the system of the [Fig.l];

[0073] [Fig.4] represents, schematically and partially, the evolution over time of an indicator of the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia [Fig.1];

[0074] [Fig. 5] represents, schematically and partially, a view of a system of urine collection according to another embodiment of the invention; and

[0075] [Fig.6] represents, schematically and partially, a view of a system of urine collection according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0076] In the following description, identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing on different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

[0077] The processes that will be described can also be implemented by software programs executable by a computer system. Furthermore, their implementation can be carried out interchangeably by distributed processing and / or parallel processing, in particular for processing several data points in parallel.

[0078] The figures described in this document are intended to provide a general understanding of the invention in various embodiments. These figures are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of the devices, processors, and systems necessary for the invention. Many other embodiments of the invention, or combinations thereof, may be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this description, by combining the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments may be derived from the description, so that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0079] Furthermore, the description and figures should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all modifications, improvements, and other embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the following claims should be determined by the broadest possible interpretation of the claims and their equivalents and should not be restricted or limited by the preceding description.

[0080] A urine collection system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig.1].

[0081] System 1 comprises a collection circuit arranged in a building suitable for receiving the public. The collection circuit comprises a plurality of urinals 2 and a collection tank 3 to which the urinals are connected.

[0082] In the example described, each urinal 2 is a so-called "dry" or "waterless" type urinal, intended for use by men or women. Each urinal 2 is therefore gravity-fed and may be equipped with an odor-control membrane, a valve, and / or a siphon.

[0083] The urinals 2 are connected to the collection tank 3 by a set of pipes 4, comprising a central column to which each of the urinals 2 are connected and which opens, via a sloping pipe, into an upper wall of the collection tank 3.

[0084] The central column of the piping assembly 4 is provided with controllable valves 41. Valves 41 are placed at the level of blocks or floors of the building and allow control of the flow of urine circulating between the urinals 2 of each block or each floor and the collection tank, in particular to interrupt this flow of urine and redirect it to a wastewater treatment circuit or to a sewer.

[0085] A valve 41 is also placed on the sloping pipe, upstream of the collection tank 3, to completely interrupt the flow of urine from all the urinals 2 in the collection circuit.

[0086] Alternatively, each urinal 2 may be provided to have its own controllable valve.

[0087] Furthermore, an air vent 42 is placed at the top of the central column.

[0088] In the example described, the collection tank 3 is an underground tank. Alternatively, the collection tank 3 could be an above-ground tank.

[0089] The collection tank 3 is equipped with a urine collection system 31. In the example described, the collection system 31 comprises a pumping tube extending to the bottom of the tank 3 and whose beveled end is flush with the bottom of the tank 3. A pump can be connected to the collection system to collect the urine, for example, into a tank of a truck.

[0090] The collection tank 3 also includes one or more vents 32 and an overflow 33 connected to a wastewater treatment circuit or a sewer. A valve 41 is arranged on the outlet of the overflow 33, in order to allow the emptying of all or part of the valve 4L

[0091] In order to monitor the physico-chemical activity of the urine collected in the collection tank 3, and in particular the evolution of the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia, the collection system includes a probe 5 placed in the collection tank 3.

[0092] In the example described in [Fig. 1], the probe 5 is mounted on a float to remain in contact with the urine collected in the tank, regardless of the urine level. Alternatively, the probe 5 can be kept at the bottom of the tank, for example by attaching it or weighting it down.

[0093] The probe 5 is equipped with several sensors, a first sensor 51 of a parameter relating to a physico-chemical activity of the urine in the tank 3 and a second sensor 52 of the volume of urine contained in the tank.

[0094] In the example described, the first sensor 51 is a pH sensor for the urine collected in tank 3. Figure 2 shows a data sequence from the first sensor 51, representing the evolution of the pH of the urine collected in tank 3 over a period extending from February 3, 2024, to April 18, 2024. It should be noted that this pH fluctuates around a constant value of approximately 3, except on March 5, 2024, for which larger pH variations are observed and for a period from March 28 to April 2, 2024 in which the pH value evolves around a value of 8.

[0095] Alternatively, the first sensor 51 may be provided to be a sensor of the electrical conductivity of the urine collected in the tank, and / or a sensor of the temperature of the urine collected in the tank, and / or a sensor of the concentration of ammonia of the urine collected in the tank, and / or a sensor of the oxidation-reduction rate of the urine collected in the tank, or a sensor of any other parameter that can be measured, directly or indirectly, and is capable of indicating, or even quantifying, the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia.

[0096] The second sensor 52 is a level sensor for the urine collected in tank 3. Figure 3 shows a sequence of data from the second sensor 52, representing the evolution of the volume of urine collected in tank 3 during the period from February 3, 2024 to April 18, 2024. It should be noted that the volume increases as urine is collected in the collection tank 3, and drops sharply on March 5, 2024 and April 2, 2024, these dates corresponding to the collection of urine from the collection tank 3.

[0097] The data from sensors 51 and 52 are transmitted, either wired or wirelessly, to a wireless communication module 61, which relays this data to a remote computing unit 62, for example a computer server, via a telecommunications protocol such as LORAWAN®, SIGFOX®, 3G or UMTS®, 4G or LTE®, or even 5G. The data may be converted by the communication module 61 into a hexadecimal format suitable for the LORA® or SIGFOX® protocol, and then converted by the computing unit 62 into a decimal format suitable for processing.

[0098] The calculation unit 62 is arranged to periodically determine the value of a given indicator from the variation of pH and the variation of said volume measured by the sensors 51 and 52.

[0099] More specifically, the calculation unit 62 is arranged to periodically determine the value In of a ratio between a variation ApH of the pH measurement by the first sensor 51 between two consecutive instants, namely pHn-pHn i and a variation AV of the volume measurement by the second sensor 52 between said consecutive instants, namely V„-V„ i-

[0100] We thus represent in [Fig.4] the evolution of this indicator In over the period extending from 3 February 2024 to 18 April 2024. We observe that the indicator In evolves around a zero value, except on the date of 28 March in which we observe a peak of the indicator In.

[0101] It should be noted that, alternatively, the calculation unit 62 may estimate other indicators, for example based on a ratio of the change in electrical conductivity to the change in volume, or on time derivatives of pH and volume, or even on changes in only one parameter. Furthermore, the calculation unit 62 may calculate the value of the indicator In only under certain conditions, for example when the volume or pH exceeds a given threshold value, or at the request of a user.

[0102] For each value of the indicator In thus determined, the calculation unit 62 proceeds to compare said value of the given indicator In to a setpoint value.

[0103] In the example in [Fig.4], the setpoint value is a threshold value TS. In other words, the In indicator reflects the evolution of the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia within the collection tank 3. When this value exceeds the threshold value TS, as is the case for the date of March 28, the In indicator thus indicates that hydrolysis is in progress and that intervention is necessary.

[0104] Said threshold value TS may be determined empirically or based on a compliance threshold of the pH of the urine contained in the collection tank, defined beforehand according to the intended applications. Said compliance threshold may, for example, be set at a pH value such that it is ensured that the urease enzyme is not active.

[0105] Alternatively, the setpoint value may be defined by a range of tolerance values ​​from a given value, or by a prediction of a value derived from one of the measurements of one or both of the sensors 51, 52. It is thus possible, beyond detecting hydrolysis, to anticipate it by detecting a deviation of the indicator from an expected value. This tolerance range could, for example, be 10% above the threshold value, or even 20% above the threshold value.

[0106] When the value In deviates from the setpoint, the calculation unit 62 then sends an alert to a control unit 63. In the example described, the control unit 63 and the calculation unit 62 are part of the same equipment, for example capable of receiving measurements from sensors of different collection circuits and therefore of operating management functions for a fleet of different collection circuits, in particular arranged in different buildings.

[0107] It may be provided that the control unit 63 is equipped with a screen, the control unit 63 being able to display on the screen the evolution over time of the value of the indicator In, or even of the values ​​of the parameter and the volume measured by the first and second sensors 51, 52 as represented in [Fig.2], [Fig.3] and [Fig.4].

[0108] The control unit 63 is capable of remotely controlling the 4L valves

[0109] Thus, upon receiving the alert issued by the computing unit 62, the unit 63 checks the valves 41 to stop the flow of urine circulating between the urinals 2 and the collection tank 3, and to prevent feeding the hydrolysis process taking place in the collection tank 3, or again to empty the urine collected in the collection tank 3, especially if the urease is too advanced.

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 63 allows a supervisor, or automatically, to trigger, via a tank emptying alert, an operator intervention to empty the tank and collect the urine. This intervention thus corresponds to the visible volume drop in [Fig. 3] on April 2, 2024.

[0111] A collection system 10 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig.5].

[0112] The collection system 10 is identical to the collection system described in [Fig.1]. However, it includes a system 7 for adding an acid or a base to the urine collected by the urinals 2 of the collection circuit.

[0113] In this example, the system 7 includes a cuvon arranged in the collection tank 3 and containing an acid or a base. The cuvon is equipped with a diffuser or an opening controllable by the control unit 63 to add the acid or base it contains directly into the urine collected in the collection tank 3.

[0114] It may be provided that the acid is chosen so that the acidified urine has a pH less than 6 or that the base is chosen so that the alkaline urine has a pH greater than 9, in order to inhibit the growth of pathogens and prevent the spontaneous hydrolysis reaction of urea into ammonia, so that the urine retains its nitrogen concentration, and also to regulate the pH of the urine to a value appropriate for its fermentation by certain microorganisms, in particular by certain bacteria, yeasts and / or fungi.

[0115] Thus, upon receiving the alert issued by the computing unit 62, the unit 63 controls the system 7 to add a given quantity of acid or base to the collected urine, thereby controlling the pH of the urine collected in the collection tank 3 in order to inhibit the action of urease. In particular, the unit 63 may be configured to control the system 7 so that the volume of lactic acid added to the collection tank 3 is 2% of the volume of urine collected in the collection tank 3.

[0116] Alternatively, unit 63 may be provided to control system 7 so as to add a volume of lactic acid into collection tank 3 so that the pH of the urine collected in collection tank 3 is controlled to a given value, for example to a pH value such that it is ensured that the urease enzyme is not active.

[0117] A collection system 100 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig.6].

[0118] The collection system 100 is identical to the collection system described in [Fig. 1]. However, for each urinal 2, it includes a device 71 for adding an acid or a base to the urine circulating between that urinal and the collection tank 3. In the example described, the acid or base is contained in a reservoir of the collection circuit, arranged downstream of each urinal 3. Alternatively, the acid or base may be contained in a container integrated into the receiving reservoir of each urinal 3, for example after the valve or siphon of each urinal.

[0119] Thus, upon receiving the alert issued by the computing unit 62, the unit 63 controls the acid or base adding device 71 to add a given quantity of acid or base to the urine collected by the urinals 2. The adding devices 71 may be controlled temporally, from a signal emitted by a clock, so that a given volume of acid or base is regularly added to the urine collected by each urinal 2; or may be controlled conditionally, from a signal emitted by a urine collection detector in each urinal, so that a given volume of acid or base is added to the urine collected each time urination is detected in each urinal 2; or can be intentionally controlled, from a signal emitted by a switch operated by a user, so that a given volume of acid or base is added to the urine collected by each urinal 2.

[0120] In the examples described, the computing unit 62 and the control unit 63 are part of the same equipment, located away from the collection circuit. Alternatively, the computing unit 62 and the control unit 63 may be part of the same equipment arranged within the collection circuit, the collection system being autonomous in this case, or one of the computing and control units 62, 63 may be located away from the other, one being, for example, arranged within the collection circuit and the other being located away from the collection circuit, or both being located away from the collection circuit and from each other.

[0121] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives it has set for itself, namely to offer a urine collection system in a place likely to receive the public and capable of triggering, in situ or remotely, the collection of urine collected in a collection tank before its nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium levels are too degraded, and / or of controlling elements of the collection circuit to slow down or even stop the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia.

[0122] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically operative combination of these means.

Claims

Demands

1. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) comprising a collection circuit including a plurality of urinals (2) and a collection tank (3) to which the urinals are connected, the collection tank being equipped with at least a first sensor (51) of a parameter relating to a physico-chemical activity of the urine in the tank, characterized in that it includes a calculation unit (62) arranged to periodically determine the value of a given indicator from the variation of said parameter, to compare said value of the given indicator to a setpoint value and to issue an alert in the event of a drift of said value of the given indicator with respect to the setpoint value.

2. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first sensor (51) of a parameter relating to a physico-chemical activity of the urine in the tank (3) is a pH sensor of the urine collected in the tank and / or a sensor of the electrical conductivity of the urine collected in the tank, and / or a sensor of the temperature of the urine collected in the tank, and / or a sensor of the ammonia concentration of the urine collected in the tank, and / or a sensor of the oxidation-reduction rate of the urine collected in the tank.

3. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection tank is equipped with a second sensor (52) for the volume of urine contained in the tank (3), and in that the calculation unit (62) is arranged to periodically determine the value of said given indicator from the variation of said parameter and the variation of said volume.

4. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the calculation unit (62) is arranged to periodically determine the value of a ratio between a variation in the measurement of the parameter by the first sensor (51) between two consecutive instants and a variation in the measurement of the volume by the second sensor (52) between said consecutive instants, the given indicator comprising said ratio.

5. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the value of The setpoint is defined by a range of tolerance values ​​around a given value.

6. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the calculation unit (62) is arranged to predict said given value from the measurement of the volume by the second sensor (52).

7. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each urinal (2) is connected to the collection tank (3) through a controllable valve (41) of the collection circuit, capable of controlling the flow of urine circulating between said urinal and the collection tank, in that it comprises a control unit (63) of said controllable valves capable of receiving said alert issued by the computing unit (62), and in that the control unit is arranged to, upon receiving said alert, control at least one of the controllable valves to control the flow of urine circulating between the urinal connected to this valve and the collection tank.

8. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection circuit comprises a system (7, 71) for adding an acid or a base to the urine collected by at least one of the urinals (2), in that it comprises a control unit (63) of the acid or base addition system capable of receiving said alert issued by the computing unit (62) and in that the control unit is arranged to, upon receiving said alert, control the acid or base addition system to control the quantity of acid or base added to the urine collected.

9. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the acid or base addition system (7, 71) comprises a device for adding an acid or a base directly into the urine collected in the collection tank.

10. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the acid or base addition system (7, 71) comprises at least one device for adding an acid or a base to the urine circulating between at least one of said urinals (2) and the collection tank (3).

11. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection tank (2) includes a system for stirring the urine collected in the collection tank, in that it includes a control unit (63) of the stirring system capable of receiving said alert issued by the computing unit (62) and in that the control unit is arranged to, according to said alert, control the stirring system to stir the urine collected in the tank.

12. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the control unit (63) is remote from the collection circuit, and in that the computing unit (62) and the control unit are each equipped with a wireless communication module (61) so that the computing unit can transmit said alert to the control unit.

13. Urine collection system (1, 10, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection tank includes a system for drawing off the urine collected in the tank (3), and in that the alert issued by the calculation unit (62), in the event of a drift of said value of the given indicator with respect to the setpoint value, is an alert to empty the tank.

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